Conviction and fine for operating an unlicensed seafood business

A Geelong man has been fined $2,000 for operating an unlicensed seafood business, following an investigation conducted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and PrimeSafe.

The man appeared in the Geelong Magistrates Court in December 2025, where he was convicted of selling or offering to sell seafood on 46 occasions without holding a licence.

The prosecution was undertaken by the Victorian Fisheries Authority after PrimeSafe authorised a fisheries officer to institute and conduct proceedings under the Seafood Safety Act 2003.

Under the Act and the Seafood Safety Regulations 2024, all seafood businesses in Victoria selling seafood for human consumption must be licensed by PrimeSafe.

Licensed seafood businesses are regulated and monitored for compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to ensure the seafood they sell is safe to eat.

Unlicensed seafood businesses that are not held to these standards pose a food safety risk to consumers. They also undermine confidence in the market and unfairly impact seafood businesses that are complying with the law.

PrimeSafe Chief Executive Officer Michael Coffey said:

“The action taken sends a clear message that if you are processing or handling meat or seafood for sale in Victoria, you need a licence with PrimeSafe and you must meet food safety standards. PrimeSafe has no tolerance for those operating a meat or seafood business unlawfully and potentially putting the public at risk.”

Anyone with information about non-compliant meat or seafood processing and sale should contact PrimeSafe at info@primesafe.vic.gov.au.

Media enquiries: Susan McNair, 0439 389 202 or susan@curriecommunications.com.au